BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer, along with running backs coach Billy Hite, announced Thursday that redshirt freshman Ryan Williams (Manassas, Va.) has earned the starting job at tailback for Saturday’s season opener against Alabama in Atlanta.

Beamer also announced Thursday that redshirt senior fullback Kenny Jefferson would not play in the Alabama game after being suspended for the game, but not team activities or practice, on Aug. 16 for a violation of team policy.

In making the announcement, Beamer said there would be no further comment on the situation.

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